What SimpliSafe is and how it differs from other alarm systems

SimpliSafe is a wireless home security system you install yourself, with monitoring available through SimpliSafe's own call centre or through a third-party monitoring service. Unlike traditional alarm systems that require a technician to run wiring through your walls, SimpliSafe uses battery-powered sensors that communicate wirelessly to a base station. You can move the system if you relocate, and you own the equipment rather than leasing it.

The system includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, a keypad, and a base station that connects to your internet or cellular connection. SimpliSafe also offers video cameras, glass-break sensors, and environmental monitors like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that integrate with the same app and control panel. The core difference from professionally installed systems is that you handle setup yourself and can add or remove sensors without scheduling a technician visit.

Key Takeaways

  • SimpliSafe equipment is wireless and battery-powered, so installation takes hours rather than days and you can take it with you if you move.
  • You can monitor your system yourself through the app, pay SimpliSafe for 24/7 professional monitoring, or use a third-party monitoring service.
  • Monthly monitoring costs range from roughly $15 to $30 depending on the service level and whether you choose SimpliSafe or a third-party provider.
  • The system sends alerts to your phone when doors open, motion is detected, or sensors are triggered, and you can arm or disarm it remotely.
  • SimpliSafe charges no long-term contract, so you can cancel monitoring at any time, though equipment costs are non-refundable once purchased.

Equipment you get and what each piece does

A SimpliSafe system starts with a base station, which is a small hub that plugs into power and connects to your home internet or a cellular backup connection. The base station receives wireless signals from all your sensors and triggers an alarm if a sensor is breached. It also holds a backup battery so the system continues to work during a power outage.

Door and window sensors are small magnetic strips that mount on the frame and door or window itself. When the door or window opens, the magnet separates from the sensor and triggers an alert. Motion detectors use infrared to sense movement in a room and can be set to ignore pets up to a certain weight. A keypad lets you arm and disarm the system using a code, and you can also control everything through the SimpliSafe mobile app on your phone.

Optional add-ons include indoor and outdoor cameras with video recording, glass-break sensors that detect the sound of breaking glass, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, water leak sensors, and a panic button. All of these connect wirelessly to the base station and send notifications to your phone. Cameras can record continuously or only when motion is detected, depending on your monitoring plan.

How monitoring works: self-monitoring versus professional monitoring

SimpliSafe offers three monitoring paths. Self-monitoring means you receive alerts on your phone when a sensor is triggered, and you decide whether to call the police or take action yourself. There is no monthly fee for self-monitoring, but you are responsible for responding to every alert, including false alarms.

SimpliSafe professional monitoring means SimpliSafe's call centre receives alerts 24 hours a day. When a sensor is triggered, SimpliSafe calls you to verify the alarm. If you confirm a break-in or do not answer, SimpliSafe contacts local police on your behalf. This service costs roughly $15 to $30 per month depending on the plan level. SimpliSafe also offers video verification, where the monitoring centre can view your camera feed before dispatching police, which may reduce false alarm responses.

A third option is third-party monitoring, where you contract with a separate monitoring company (not SimpliSafe) to receive your alerts and dispatch police. Some homeowners choose this route if they already use a monitoring service for another property or prefer a different provider. Third-party monitoring costs vary by provider but typically fall in the same range as SimpliSafe's own service.

Installation and setup process

SimpliSafe is designed for self-installation. You unpack the equipment, plug in the base station, and mount sensors on doors and windows using adhesive strips or small screws. The app walks you through pairing each sensor to the base station by pressing a button on the sensor and confirming it in the app. Most people complete a basic setup in one to three hours, depending on how many sensors they install and how familiar they are with their home's layout.

The base station connects to your home Wi-Fi network, and you create a SimpliSafe account through the app. You choose a four-digit code for the keypad and set which sensors trigger an alarm versus which ones send notifications only. If you want professional monitoring, you select your monitoring plan during account setup and provide contact information for the monitoring centre to use if an alarm is triggered.

If you prefer not to install the system yourself, SimpliSafe offers professional installation for an additional fee, typically $100 to $200 depending on the number of sensors and your location. A technician will mount all equipment and test the system, but the wireless nature of SimpliSafe means installation is still faster than traditional hardwired systems.

Monthly costs and equipment pricing

SimpliSafe charges for equipment and for monitoring separately. A basic starter system with a base station, keypad, and a few door and window sensors costs between $200 and $400 depending on the bundle you choose. Additional sensors cost $20 to $60 each, and cameras cost $100 to $200 depending on whether they are indoor or outdoor models.

Professional monitoring through SimpliSafe costs roughly $15 per month for basic monitoring (alarm response only) or $25 to $30 per month for plans that include video verification or additional features. Self-monitoring has no monthly cost. Third-party monitoring prices vary but typically range from $15 to $35 per month.

SimpliSafe does not require a long-term contract for monitoring, so you can cancel at any time. However, equipment purchases are final and non-refundable once you have taken possession. Some providers offer financing options to spread equipment costs over time, so check SimpliSafe's current offerings if upfront cost is a concern.

Cellular backup and internet requirements

SimpliSafe's base station connects to your home Wi-Fi network to send alerts and receive commands from the app. If your internet goes down, the base station has a built-in cellular backup connection that uses a SIM card to communicate with SimpliSafe's servers. This ensures the system can still send alerts and receive monitoring signals even if your broadband is offline.

The cellular backup is included with most monitoring plans at no extra cost, though some budget plans may not include it. If you choose self-monitoring only, cellular backup is optional and costs a few dollars per month. The cellular connection uses very little data because it only transmits when a sensor is triggered or when you arm or disarm the system, so it does not add significantly to your phone bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take SimpliSafe with me if I move to a new house?

Yes. Because SimpliSafe is wireless and battery-powered, you can uninstall it from your current home and reinstall it in a new one. You will need to update your account with the new address and reconfigure sensors for the new layout, but the equipment itself is portable. If you had a monitoring contract, you can keep the same service at your new address.

What happens if the power goes out?

The base station has a built-in backup battery that keeps the system running for several hours during a power outage. Sensors are battery-powered, so they continue to work as well. If you have cellular backup enabled, the system can still send alerts to the monitoring centre and to your phone even if your internet is down. The backup battery will eventually drain, so the system is not designed for extended outages lasting more than a few hours.

Does SimpliSafe work with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home?

SimpliSafe integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to arm and disarm the system using voice commands and receive alerts through those platforms. The integration does not include full smart home automation like triggering lights or locks automatically when an alarm is triggered, but you can control the core security functions through your existing smart home setup.

What if I get a false alarm?

If you have professional monitoring and trigger a false alarm, the monitoring centre will call you to verify before dispatching police. If you confirm it is a false alarm, no police response occurs. Some areas charge a fee for false alarm responses after a certain number per year, so reducing false alarms is in your interest. Self-monitoring means you avoid false alarm fees because you control whether to call police.

Can I use SimpliSafe in an apartment or rental?

Yes. Because SimpliSafe uses adhesive strips and does not require drilling or permanent installation, it works in apartments and rental homes. You can mount sensors without damaging walls, and you can remove the system when you move. Check your lease to confirm your landlord allows security systems, though most do not object to wireless, non-permanent installations.